Fuel Poverty in UK Forcing Many to Live a Life of Candlelight, Cold and Early Nights

‘Graham Smith, acting deputy head of the Extra Help Unit (EHU), where some of the most desperate cases of fuel hardship are referred, has had five or six cases in the past few months where older people have been convinced a neighbour must have tapped into their meter and be using their electricity because their bills have gone up so much.

“They’d stopped using their electricity altogether and were just using candles instead. They get fixated on it, sometimes it’s the early stages of dementia. I’ve had to refer a lot of people to social services,” he explains.

Many cases in recent weeks have revolved around people who are having their benefits reassessed too. “We’re seeing a lot of disability living allowance cases, where the benefits are being stopped and they are fighting it but are in limbo and have no money.’